St. Lawrence County gets back thousands of dollars in welfare fraud

St. Lawrence County has received more than $33,000 in a court settlement after a monthlong investigation into reported cases of welfare fraud.

County Department of Social Services investigators and the district attorneys office conducted investigations in September focused on the crimes of welfare fraud, offering a false instrument for filing, unlawful use of a benefit card, forgery and other violations of the state penal law.

The programs affected by the reported fraud include Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, temporary assistance, day care, Medicaid and the Home Energy Assistance Program.

During the month, the county obtained judicial settlement of $33,305 and punished individuals preventing them from receiving further benefits from the programs they defrauded.

Investigations are ongoing and arrests are pending.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected welfare fraud activity by calling the DOSS Investigations Unit at 315-379-2145 or by filing a complaint at www.otda.nygov/welfarefraud. Reporters may remain anonymous.

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